Method and apparatus for folding paper



June 22, 1943. J. 5. LUCE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING PAPER FiledJuly 22, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l R s JNVENTOR. Jon/v 5. Luci:

f8 m ATTORNEYS.

June 22, 1943. J, 5 [TU-CE 2,322,647

METHOD AND APPARATUS 'FOR FOLDING PAPER Filed July 22, 1941 3Sheets-Sheet P.

IN V [.N TOR. JoH/v 8. L005 June 22, 1943. J. s. LUCE 2,322,647

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING PAPER Filed July 22, 1941 5Sheets-Sheet 5 {NI Z N I OR. JOHN 57 Lac:

Patented June 22, 1943 METHOD AND arrm'ros FOR manure raraa John S.Luce, Oakland, Calif., assignor to The Web Appliance Company, SanFrancisco, Calif.,

a firm Application July 22, 1941, Serial No. 403,510

7 Claims.

This invention relates to an attachment for printing presses of the webtype, whereby the opposite edges of a continuously moving web maysimultaneously be folded inwardly and thereafter severed transverselyand longitudinaily,to form single folded sheets in pairs.

The object of the present invention is generally to improve and simplifythe construction and operation of apparatus of the character described;to provide an attachment for printing presses of the web type, wherebythe opposite edges of a continuously moving single web may besimultaneously folded inwardly and thereafter severed transversely andlongitudinally to form single folded sheets; to provide means whereby acarbon transfer sheet may be introduced prior to the folding of theedges so as to be interposed between the folded edges and the webproper, and further, to provide an 'attachment which permits the foldingof two or more superimposed webs in one operation to form, when severedtransversely and longitudinally single folded booklets containing aplurality of sheets folded one within the other.

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanyingdrawings, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view in side elevation ofthe complete invention;

Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are perspective diagrammatic views showing thedifferent operations that take place as the web progresses through themachine, said views also showing the folded end out form which the paperassumes;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which a plurality ofwebs may be fed through the machine;

Figu'l is a plan view of the forming or laiding plates;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation thereof;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a bank statement, or one of the productsresulting from the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a booklet or leaflet, als a product ofthe invention;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the web folded in a manner toleave a space between the folded portions;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing only one side of a web folded; and

Fm, 13 is a perspective view showing the web folded to produce foldedportions of varying width.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly to Figs. 1 to 8, Aand B indicatea pair of cooperating paper forming or folding plates.

The plate A will, in most instances, be horizontally disposed, and theplate B slopes downwardly therefrom on an angle of approximately 45".This angle may vary to a slight degree with varying grades of paper andatmospheric conditions. A hinged connection 2 is for this reason formedbetween the plates, and an ad- Justable connection, such as theturnbuckle 3, is employed to maintain the plate B at the desired angle.Plate B is rectangular in shape, and has a width equal to one-half thewidth of the web D to be folded. The plate A at one end has a width thesameas the web to be folded, but the sides taper to join the plate B.This taper is on an angle of substantially 30 with relation to alongitudinal axis drawn centrally through the plates.

The original or full width web D to be folded is shown in Fig. 2. Inpassing over the folding plates A and B, the side edges are foldedinwardly and under the web, as shown in Fig. 3, and the foldingoperation is completed by passing under a roller I. The folded web isnext cut transversely as shown at 5 in Fig. 4 and A then longitudinallyas at Go (see Fig. 5), thus forming two single folded sheets I and 1A.

In order to describe one of the uses of the invention, let it be assumedthat bank statements are the final product required. In that case theweb of paper indicated at D will first be passed through a rotarycylinder printing press of the continuous web type, and as the web isfed through, printed statements will appear in successive order on bothsides of the web, both in original and duplicate form. The printed webas it comes out of the press is directed over the plate A, and then downover the plate B, and finally under the roller 4 which directs thefolded web to a pair of pull rollers 8, a cross-cutting knife 1, and acutter 8 which makes a longitudinal cut thereby separating the cross-cutsections into two separated sections lb and 1a. The cutter 8 may, ifdesired,

be placed in advance of the rollers 6. Just ahead of the plate A is aroller ll containing carbon or transfer paper. The carbon paper has awidth equal to half of the web shown in Fig. 2, the width beingindicated by the dotted lines l5-I5 in said view. The carbon sheet isfed over the plates A and B in a position to underlie the web whichcomes from the printing press, and as its width is no greater than thatof the plate B, the carbon sheet will not be subjected to any foldingaction. On the other hand, it will be retained within the web when theside sheet-as shown at II.

The single fold referred to includes both the folds formed along thelines lB-II. The carbon sheet ll may lie loosely between the singlefolded web sections as shown in Fig. 4. but the carbon :asaaeu of paperwhich are so positioned that each web sheet is preferably securedbetween the single A folded web sections by means of an adhesive,

which, in this instance, is applied to the under surface of the web D bya pair of rollers positioned just ahead of the carbon roller ll.- Onlyone roller for applyin adhesive is shown in Fig. 1, as this is adiagrammatic view, but two rollers will be employed and will be spacedapart, and will be narrow, so that the adhesive will be continuouslyapplied within the area formed between the folding lines I! and theadjacent dotted lines lie. Thus, when the web is folded, as shown inFig. 3, the carbon sheet will be secured at opposite edges by theadhesive applied in the striplike areas lid, and when the web has beencut transversely and silt longitudinally, as shown at la, each carbonsheet it will be secured in the dotted area lie between the singlefolded sections of the statement as shown in Fig. 9. v

Fig. 9 clearly shows the final product in the form of a bank statementconsisting of an upper sheet 9, a lower sheet 9b, and an intermediatecarbon sheet l8a, said carbon sheet being secured by an adhesive alongthe dotted area indicated at lie. The upper sheet 9 of the statement maybe the original, and'the lower sheet to the duplicate thereof. Aweakened tear line may be formed at the folding edge, and the statementscan thus readily be separated when separation is required.

The invention is not limited to the manufacture of bank statements.Obviously, leaflets and other advertising matter maybe formed in thismanner, and a carbon sheet may or may notbe introduced. In Fig. 10 aleaflet or booklet having four sheets is shown. This is accomplished byfeeding two webs, such as shown at D, over the forming plates. Thesewebs will be folded in the same manner as previously described; and theywill then be cross-cut and longitudinally severed as previouslydescribed, and the product will be a multiple sheet leaflet, singlefolded along the line shown at lie. The sheets may be secured togetherby an adhesive, as previously described, or

will overlie the other. These may then be fed over the forming plates toform booklets of six sheets. Again it is possible that one, two or threewebs may be delivered to the present machine from one or more printingunits of the web type.

In actual operation, when a web of the width shown in Fig. 2 passes overthe plate A, it tends to fold downwardly and in under the plate A, dueto the fact that the sides of the plate taper toward the plate B. Infact, they tend to curl completely under the plate B, and as the webpasses under the roller 1, the folding operation is completed and theproduct shown in Fig. 3 is obtained,

this product containing a carbon sheet or not, as

desired.

It has been found in practice that the angle of the plate B withrelation to the plate A is important. It is for this reason that ahinged ,connection 2 is formed, and that an adjustable connector I isprovided. The approximate angle is '45, but it may vary with differentgrades and weights of paper and with varying atmospheric conditions. Theangle may be quickly adjusted by means of the turnbuckle 3.

- Where it is desired to produce a plurality of folded sheets not foldedone within the other, as in the production of bank statements or thelike, two or more folding units may be placed one above the other. dueto the flat delivery of the folded webs. The folding units are spacedfar enough apart so that they do not touch. This allows the webs to foldindividually without touching each other. Each folded web then passesunder its individual guide roller 4, and all the folded webs are thenassembled under the pull rollers 6 and cut, as already described.

Carbon paper may be introduced in each web, as already described. Itshould, however, be understood that the back of the original form may becarbonized instead of inserting a carbon.

The invention may also be used to produce sheets in pairs for salesbooks, folded printed forms, etc. Where it is desired to produce afolded sheet one leaf of which is longer than the other, this isaccomplished by folding one or more webs as in the production of bankstatements, but leaving a space of predetermined width between the twoedges in the center of the folded web, as shown in Fig. 11. In thiscase, the folding plate B would be wider than half the width of the webto be folded.

It is also possible to make a single fold, as shown in Fig. 12, eitheron the left or right side of the plate, simply by allowing the sidewhich it is desired -not.to fold to pass under the guide roller in anunfolded condition. Once th web is set in this position, it wlllcontinueto make the single fold desired. By moving the plate or the web,

the sheets may be stitched together along the a folding lines iic bymerely substituting a sewing or stitching machine for theadhesive-applying rollers 20.

the fold may be placed where it is wanted.

It is also possible to produce folds on opposite sides of a web, whichvary in width, as shown in Fig. 13. This is accomplished by passing theweb over the folding unit with more space on one side than on the other.Thus. when the web or webs are folded, one side will be wider than theother. It should also be understood that a large number of combinationsof these folded webs may be run together as desired.

While this and other features of my invention have been more or lessspecifically described and illustrated, I wish it understood thatvarious changes may be resorted to, within the scope of the appendedclaims, and that the material and finish of the apparatus may be such asthe experience of the manufacturer and varying conditions of use maydemand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure byLetters Patent is- 1. A method of forming two sheet statementsin pairs,each statement being joined by a single fold at one edge, and having acarbon sheet secured between them, which consists in superim- Posing aweb sheet over a carbon sheet, said web sheet being double the width ofthe carbon sheet, imparting continuous movement to the two sheets,applying an adhesiveto secure the opposite edges of the carbon sheet totheweb sheet, folding the edges of the web during movement over thecarbon sheet, said edges substantially meeting centrally of the carbonsheet, crosscutting the web at spaced intervals and then severing thecross-cut web sections longitudinally between the meeting edges of thefolded portions of the web to form two single folded statements eachhaving an interposed carbon sheet. a

' 2. A method of forming two sheet'statements in pairs, each statementbeing joined by a single [old at one edge, and having a carbon sheetsecured-between them, which consists in superimposing a web sheet over acarbon sheet, said web sheet being double the width of the carbon sheet,imparting continuous movement to the two sheets, securing the oppositeedges of the carbon sheet to the web sheet, folding the edges of the webduring movement over the carbon sheet, said :dges substantially meetingcentrally of the car- )on sheet, cross-cutting the web at spaced inter-I818 and then severing the cross-cut web sections ongitudinally betweenthe meeting edges of the "olded portions of the web to form two single'olded statements each having an interposed :arbon sheet.

3. In a paper folding mechanism of the charicter described, a first anda second fiat plate Iver which 'a paper web to be folded is continuuslyfed, said second plate being disposed on an mgle with relation to thefirst plate and being ectangular in shape, and having a widthsubtantially equal to one half the width of the web, aid first namedplate joining the second named late at one end and being of the samewidth'at hat end but presenting'outwardly flaring sides which, at theopposite end, are equal to the full ridth of the web, said web edges,when fed over he flaring edges of the first plate toward the ,arrowersecond plate, folding inwardly andin nder the second plate, and a rollercooperating 'ith the second plate under which the web passes nd wherebythe folding operation is completed.

4. In a paper folding-mechanism of the charcter described, a fiat platehaving a width at me and substantially equal to the width of a aper webto be folded, said plate presenting ipering sides which, at the oppositeend of the late, terminate in a width substantially onealf the width ofthe web, a rectangular fiat plate rining the narrow end of the firstplate and aving a width substantially one-half of the web,

hinged connection between the two plates hereby the second plate mayassume an angular asition' with relation to the first'plate, means vradjusting and maintaining a'desired angle,

leans for feeding the web to be folded over the first and second namedplates, said web edges, when fed over the flaring edges of the firstplate toward the narrower second plate, folding inwardly and in underthe second plate, and a roller cooperating with the second plate underwhich the web passes and whereby the folding operation is completed.

5. In a paper folding mechanism of the character described, an elongatedflat plate having tapering sides to present a wide and a narrow end,said wide end being substantially equal to the full width of a paper webto be folded, and the narrow end being substantially half the width ofthe web, a second plate joining the narrow end of the first plate andbeing of the same width, a hinged connection between the plates topermit the second plate to assume an angle with relation to the firstplate, an adjustable member connecting the plates to vary the angle, aroller disposed below the second plate, means for continuously feeding aweb of paper over the first and second plates and under the roller, saidweb edges, when passing from the wide end of the first plate toward thenarrow plate, folding inwardly and in under the second plate to a pointwhere their edges substantially meet, and means for severing the weblongitudinally between the meeting edges of the folded portions of theweb to form two single folded webs.

6. In a paper folding mechanism of the character described, an elongatedflat plate having tapering sides to present a wide and a narrow end,said wide end being substantially equal to the full width of a paper webto be folded, and the narrow end being substantially half the width ofthe web, a second plate joining the narrow end of the first plate andbeing of the same width, a hinged connection between the plates topermit the second plate to assume an angle with relation to the firstplate, an adjustable member connecting the plates to vary the angle, aroller disposed below the second plate, means for continuously feeding aweb of paper over the first and second plates and under the roller,said'web edges, when passing from the wide end of the first plate towardthe narrow plate, folding inwardly and in under the second plate to apoint where their edges substantially meet, means for severing the weblongitudinally between the meeting edges of the folded portions of theweb to form two single folded webs, and means for cross-cutting thesingle folded webs lat spaced intervals to form pairs of single foldedsheets of predetermined length.

7. A method of forming two sheet statements in pairs, each statementbeing joined by a single fold at one edge, and having a carbon sheetinterposed between them, which consists in superimposing a web sheetover a carbon sheet, said web sheet being substantially double the widthof the carbon sheet, imparting continuous movement to the two sheets,folding the edges of the web sheet during movement over the carbonsheet, said edges substantially meeting centrally on the carbon sheet,then longitudinally severing and crosscutting the folded weband carbonsheet to form two single folded statements, each having an interposedcarbon sheet.

. JOHN S. LUCE.

